Red Sox 'dream' trade would reunite 8-time All-Star with Boston

The Boston Red Sox are within striking distance of a postseason spot entering play on Thursday. However, they may have to add some help to the rotation to actually play in October.

Outside of Garrett Crochet, the Red Sox rotation has been a disappointment. Overall, their starters have posted a 4.29 ERA. Crochet has a 2.06 ERA, and to say he is carrying the rotation would be an understatement. If the Red Sox are serious about making the postseason and adding at the deadline, they will need a starting pitcher or two.

The Atlanta Braves are in a similar situation to the Red Sox. They do not want to sell. However, if they fall out of contention, the team may change its mind. FanSided's Brian Burrows tabbed Chris Sale as a "dream target" for the Red Sox if the Braves give up on the season.

"The Braves are having a down season and are unlikely to make the playoffs this season," wrote Burrows. "President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos publicly said they aren't trading Sale (who has a club option for 2026), but GMs say stuff like that all the time to raise a player's value. It would take a pretty penny to get Sale back in Boston (much prettier than the one they got for him), but he and Crochet at the top of the rotation would make any team shake in their cleats."

Sale is the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. He is an eight-time All-Star and pitched six seasons for the Red Sox. He won a World Series with the team in 2018.

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This year, Sale has a 2.52 ERA in 15 starts. However, he is on the injured list with a rib injury. If he is slated to return and the Braves are out of contention, he could yield a solid trade return. He has an $18 million option for next season.

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